All smiles :)

To get you pumped up for today, here's a video!  The girl knows how to dance!!  Props goes to Leigh Ellen for showing me this, cause she'll get mad if I take the credit ;)

Yep, it's gonna be a good day.  So get ready :)

I haven't told y'all much of what I've been up to lately.  This past weekend, I went home for my Grandparent's 50th Anniversary!  50 years is a long time!!!!  Mom worked really hard on the party and it all paid off because I believe they had a great time! Happy Anniversary Meme and Pawpaw :) Also while I was home, my brother and I got to hang out.  He drove me around on the Jeep and we took Sasha with us!  He took me to the Lumber Mill since I had never been there, and it was creepy yet pretty all at the same time.  I enjoyed the bonding time :)

 Had to make her look! haha

The rest of my weekend was pretty chill.  I ended up not going to waterskiing class on Sunday because 1. it was COLD! and 2.  I was enjoying spending time with my family... and I just didn't want to leave.  I did go to water skiing the week before that, and I was improving slowly but surely (even though I wiped out probably 10 times)!  Whenever I was driving back to Auburn from class that Sunday, it felt like I was crossing the wake every time I switched lanes!

So the other night my friend that's in a play-writing class asked me to read a part in her 10 minute play that was kind of like Tinkerbell.  I did my hair and makeup like her!  But whenever I showed up I found out that I looked sort of ridiculous because no one else in her play-writing class dressed for the part.  It was only in front of about 75 people and I only had like 5 lines but I'm pretty sure that you could see me shaking from anywhere in the room. haha!

Attempting to look like Tink!

Tonight I'm going to the UPC concert to see Ben Rector, Needtobreathe, and Young the Giant.  It's gonna be a good night!

Only 1 week and 3 more days! :)  Almost there!!!

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; 

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life; 

Of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 27:1

Sign up for DYW! :)

It's getting to be that time again...to sign up for Covington County's Distinguished Young Woman!  Almost two years ago (wow!), I had this great experience and the program has grown close to my heart.  I can't wait to hear all about the memories that will be made this year.  I want to encourage any upcoming senior girls in high school to take part in this wonderful experience.  I know alot of really outstanding girls that are that age group, so I just hope that they will embrace the opportunity and sign up!  I guess I will start with my story from a few years back :)

I started going to Junior Miss programs when I was little and mom and I would go together.  Mom would always make sure that we'd at least get to see the night when the talents were performed.  I remember watching the talents and hoping that the others wouldn't mess up... it always made me so nervous for them (still does!).  So during my junior year, people would ask me if I was going to do Junior Miss but I never really thought that I'd do it.  I am quite the procrastinator, and it seemed like a lot of pressure. Plus I never believed that I would do well in it.  But eventually, I convinced myself to give it my best shot and see where giving it my all would take me.  I told myself that if it was God's plan it would happen and that He would use me, to just have fun, and that there was nothing to be worried about.  I would pray over and over that I would be myself through all of this and to try my absolute best... and if my best wasn't good enough I could accept that.  My other goal was to not embarrass myself on stage!  At one point of time I remember my mom specifically asking me to drop out because I hadn't practiced my song enough that I was going to play on my flute... lol!!!!  I looked through a flute music book that a family friend gave me to look through and found a Spanish song that was very cute (also entitled "Andalouse"...coincidence?).  I'm interested in Spanish culture so it seemed to fit me perfectly.  I didn't want to have to buy any new dresses so I reused mine from dances.  I wanted to wear my red dress for talent and get a white rose to wear in my hair- how festive!  In order to memorize that piece, I had to lock myself in my room for the weeks to come.  I didn't have a flute instructor so I would listen to the song on Youtube alot.  I got my chorus teacher,Mrs. Crigger, and also my middle school band director, Mr. Tucker, to record the piano part for me at church... they were great!  For self-expression, the question was, "What is your dream?" so everyone talked about what career they wanted.  At the time, I wanted to be a zoo veterinarian.  At first, I just said something really basic that wasn't catchy but then someone suggested to me to say at the beginning, "Lions, tigers, and bears, OH MY!" Which I felt ridiculous saying, but it fit me.  I heard the judges laugh whenever I said my self-expression (we had a discussion in my interview about strange pets I've had)!  Two weeks before the program we started the practices in fitness and self-expression routines.  That's when I really got to spend some quality time with the girls :) Most of them were so sweet, but you're always likely to have those one or two people that try to get you down.  I had this one girl randomly try to tell me that the flute wasn't a good talent and it was very easy.  One tip for those being picked on- don't even give them a minute to think that you're down.  Even if it hurts you, just smile and walk away and keep trucking.  Mean comments from people make excellent motivation.  :)  The nights of the program were awesome- just feeling confident and not caring what people thought.  It was something that I'll never forget.  It was a shock, a completely unexpected surprise, and a blessing. Through the whole experience, I've never felt so loved...my family and friends were there the whole time.  It was so much fun!  Through this program I strengthened some friendships with the participants, gained confidence, met some new people throughout the county at different events, earned scholarship money, and so much more.  I highly encourage every upcoming senior girl to sign up... I'll be happy to give you words of encouragement or help in anyway I can, and I'm sure the current DYW, Ander Helms, or any other past Junior Misses would love to help because we all have one thing in common- we love this program!  :)

Structure-
25% interview
25% talent (onstage)
20% scholastics
15% self-expression (onstage)
15% fitness (onstage)

The Rest is Still Unwritten...

I guess you could say the most eventful thing that happened before last weekend begun started with a yell coming from the bathroom.

"Oh. my. gosh.  Devin.....Devin!....Devin!!!"   shrieked Bess, my suitmate.  Gosh.  What could it be?  Leigh Ellen and I looked at each other with confused looks on our faces.  Honestly, I was scared to go see what had frightened her.  My brain went through as many scenarios as possible.  Could she have fallen and hurt herself?  Could there be some kind of creature in the bathroom?  I rushed to the door, and when I opened it there was half an inch of water on the floor.  Whew, what a relief.  Just an overflowed toilet.  Messes are something that I can deal with, even though it's not preferable. So that night we ended up mopping up all the water while replacing it with Lysol and throwing away the bath mat... that thing had been through enough already.

As for the rest of my somewhat uneventful week, I had a biology test and a psychology test.  I did get to teach an exercise for the "Butts and Gutts" exercise class on Wednesday!  It was so much fun... I was very energized when I got up there but then I started trembling because my butt was hurting so bad.  Ironically the song "Booty Work" came on whenever I got up there.  Go figure!  Afterwards, one of the instructors said, "My butt is on fire!"  Yes!!!!!  Goal achieved.  I do still have to work on my cueing.  And of course building up my strength to actually teach a whole class.

This past weekend was Easter weekend and was also Andalusia's spring break... so my parents and Andrew decided to go to Centre, Alabama for a mini-vacation.  The thought of staying in Auburn without going to see them on Easter made me a little sad, so I decided to stay the weekend with them there!  We had a blast.  Staying with them really makes me realize how much I miss them.  How I miss my mom... she is my best friend.  I love just talking to her for hours about anything.  I probably talk her ears off (sorry mom), but she's the best listener.  And dad... he has the best laugh.  He is also the funniest person I know!  He does has a serious side when it needs to be there though.  And also, Andrew.  We get along better now that we don't live with each other 24/7!  Though I did miss spending Easter with my entire family!  I love them all.  I feel like I don't get to see them too much anymore :( There is less than one month left of school... but at this point I'm still not sure if I'll be home the whole summer or not. Here's some pictures from my weekend:

 Such fluffy clouds!

 Dad and I!

 Pink Honeysuckles!

  Look at that big fish...!

                                     (All of my pictures with mom and Andrew are on mom's camera!)

Lately, I've been thinking alot about the future.  I mean, I know that's normal for most college students, but I've been thinking about it more than I ever have.  I still haven't the slightest idea of what I want to major in.  It seems like God has said "No" to about everything I can think of. I often ask myself, in ten years (or less) where do you see yourself?  Will you be married?  What will your career be?  Where will you be living?  But I think it's all going to be pretty neat to see where I'll end up.  Only God knows :) I think He wants me to put all of my trust in Him and every thing will fall into place. That statement is alot harder than it sounds... but I know it's achievable.  I so often rely on myself to make plans, which is so stupid because my plans aren't even relatively close to how great God's plans are. 

I've probably already put this verse on my blog, but it really speaks to me so here we go again!


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6



                    Oh!  My bio teacher actually granted my wish and brought something cute to class!! :)

Wipeout

          When I woke up early on Sunday morning, I had no idea what I would be in for.  I signed up for a water skiing class with Anthony and Riley a couple of months ago not knowing what to expect.  Whenever we arrived at the Alabama River in downtown Montgomery, we were greeted with people with a wide variety of tattoos and such.  They told us that we could choose to start off our day with barefoot skiing, water skiing, wake boarding, or slalom skiing (skiing on one ski).  Some of the guys that were teaching were trying to convince people to barefoot ski.  They made it seem like no big deal, and so me, Riley, and Anthony ended up going with them.  I've never waterskiied in my life, but I thought that it certainly wouldn't be that big of a deal.  To teach you how to barefoot, there's a big metal bar that sticks out of the side of the boat that holds a rope swing with a plastic piece that you put your legs through.  The object is to hold on to the bar, sit in the swing, bend your legs with your thighs together, but have your calves apart and be pigeon toed.  And then you try to stand up. Sounds simple right?

     After the guys went, it was my turn to give it a shot.  I went into it pretty calm and confident.  I got into the swing, and the boat starting going ever so fast.  My squatting position soon turned into straight legs and I began to flail around in the swing as the water flew into my face and I felt like I couldn't breathe (went into freakout mode).  The water kept whipping my feet out from under me.  The practical thing to do would be to swing them around towards the front, but whenever I'm being splashed so much and can't get a good breath, I began to get frazzled.  I decided to give it another try, but this time i must have gotten caught off guard and let go of the metal bar, but was still caught in the swing.  Everything was so fast that I don't remember what happened, but it seemed like the swing drug me along for a little while and it even seemed like i might have flipped over the bar, until finally the swing broke.  After having the breath knocked out of me, they pulled me back into the boat and they instructor told me, "In my six years of teaching, I've never had a swing break." Lovely.  Sometime during all of this the ski instructor said, "I'm about to pee in my pants.  Do you mind if I pee off the boat?" He was asking me since I was the only girl on the boat.  OF COURSE I MIND!  That's disgusting.  But his question was more like a warning, not a question.

     So anyways, after the guys tried barefooting again, it was my turn to try once more.  I was really dreading it this time.  I could barely even stand to watch Anthony and Riley, it kind of hurt me to watch them and I probably looked green because I was thinking about how much I was dreading it.  But I jumped into the frigid water again and gave it another shot.  After about 15 seconds of getting yanked around I motioned for them to cut it out.  I said, "I just don't really like this... I'm really sorry :(" but they were all nice and understanding.  I was completely embarrassed about the whole thing.  I didn't see anyone laughing at me, but I think it was because I probably looked a little sad being jerked around like that! Thankfully one of the guys on the boat was telling me that barefooting is one of the hardest things to do, and that I should enjoy the other things more.  I was certainly glad to hear that other things may be better!  For the rest of the day I kept replaying the feeling of not being able to breathe through my mind. 

     After all that, we went out to eat and I had the best banana pudding ever!!!  Whenever I returned, the barefoot ski instructor said, "Are you gonna go skiing with me again?" and I replied, "Maybe one day"... shoot... ! Then I was able to go waterskiing, which I was actually able to do and it was kind of fun once I got the hang of it!  I felt like Bambi hobbling around. Today I am so sore right behind my shoulders and on the back of my arms.

       Group fitness training is becoming something that I'm really starting to enjoy!  The other day I got to perform my warm-up in front of the other trainees.  I did mess up alot, but I just felt so energetic and happy up there!!  I'll get to teach an exercise to a song on Wednesday... we'll see how this goes!

      Just to clarify something in my last blog post (someone asked me about it), when I said certain guys need to man up I wasn't talking about manly in terms of they need to shoot more guns, eat nails for breakfast, and act tough all the time.  I mean that they need to quit being whiny, step up and be a leader, and be confident enough in their own skin without being paranoid that someone's going to call them gay (why is the last one such a problem?)! 

   Oh, and in other random news, my organismal biology teacher brought a greater siren to class.  It's an eel-like aquatic salamander.  He may not look like it, but he was a sweet little guy!  He's my favorite so far ;)

An Outdoorsy Event

   This past weekend was probably one of the more adventurous things I've done in a long time.  It all started a few weeks ago whenever I was looking for a roommate and I was over at a friend's apartment asking them if they knew of anyone I could room with... it hadn't worked out with like 5 other people at that point and I was starting to get a little antsy.  One of them suggested that they had a lab partner that maybe needed an extra roommate!  I had met her once before but hadn't really gotten the chance to talk.  The friend gave me her number but because I felt a little weird texting someone that probably didn't even remember me, I didn't text her.  Probably a day later, she texted me and we discussed her needing an extra roommate for the next year!  I came over to her apartment to check it out and see if I'd like it there because at that time we were pretty sure I could live with them.  I stayed over there for a few hours chatting with Calley-Taylor and we were kind of like instant friends!  She brought up that her church was going to make a camping trip to the beach and invited me to go.  I was so excited!  We didn't end up getting to room with each other, but I still have something great that came out of it... a new friend :) So this past weekend, I went camping with Calley-Taylor and some of the people from Wesley in Auburn.  Our car was the last of the group's to leave Auburn at around 5:30 on Friday afternoon with Calley, Adam, and Louis in our car.  Louis is a very fearless driver... let me just tell you!  Calley and I were praying for dear life!  On our way, Louis needed to stop in Mobile to get his kayak from his parent's house... His mom was scared to death because the poor thing didn't know that he was stopping by.  She was delighted to see him and we were instantly welcomed into her house and chatted away while Louis and Adam strapped the kayak to the car and looked at maps.  On the rest of the trip to Perdido Bay, Calley and I told our different stories and the point of pretty much all of them was how we were tired of guys being little sissies and how they need to man up... but then we also talked about what we want in a relationship yada yada, you know, basic girl talk :) Now that I think about it, some of my friends and I all sent each other a list of qualifications about what we want in a guy.  Which is a great idea, because if one of us starts to like someone we can remind each other of what we want and if he meets that.  I mean, of course physical qualities on the lists we won't hold each other accountable for (even though we may ask if they have these qualities ;)) such as "Amazing clavicle bone", "Plays guitar", "Has good arms", "Can cook" BUT we will hold each other accountable of the really essential things like  "Is God number one in his life?" "Is he respectful?" "Does he encourage you?" "Is he honest?"  "Is he a good listener?"Anyways, y'all may think that is silly but sometimes you just need good friends in your life to remind you to look at the big picture of what's good for you. 

     We finally arrived at the campsite at 11, and went exploring with a few people.  While exploring, a girl walked through the bushes and asked us if we were crying?  It was strange.  I think she mistook our laughter for crying.  The other groups already had tents set up so we all talked for a little while and then went to sleep late.  We were supposed to wake up to watch the sunrise, but that didn't happen.  We loaded up all of our stuff and headed to our next destination- Port St. Joe (well, some of us... some decided to stop in Panama City)  Which ended up taking us about 5 hours.  But it was still a lot of fun!  We grabbed something to eat once we got there, and then we headed towards the beach!  There were hardly any people on the beach- it was super nice.  Later it took forever to get a fire started because of the wind, and we ended up eating bacon and hotdogs!  The next day Calley and I chased sea gulls, tried to save a distressed and dying catfish, and almost touched a pelican while the rest of the people went kayaking!  I had a great time. 

Yay for bacon!!!

     I'd say that this camping trip was very much a success and way better than my last camping trip when I was nine... let's just say that it involved thunder and lightning and my brother Andrew eating way too many hot dogs. 

    As for now, my roommate and I have officially signed our lease!  I have also registered for classes this year.  I'm going to take Nutrition, Lifespan and Human development, Beginning Spanish II, World History I, and Marching Band (If i make it again).  I may even take another class if I decide what major I want before the fall classes begin. 

Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere

     Am I dreaming or did I really just have spring break this past week?  It went by like the blink of an eye.  A few days before spring break my roommate for next year and I went apartment hunting and we narrowed it down between two.  I decided that I really wanted my parents to come look, and see what they thought.  I'm sooo excited about the one that we ended up picking! The downstairs has a living room, a half bath, and kitchen.  The upstairs has the two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  It's very cozy and cute :) As much as I'm going to enjoy living in an apartment, I'm really going to miss living with Leigh Ellen.  I just know my freshman year wouldn't have been the same without her!  Yes we do disagree but we're kind of like sisters, ya know?  But I'm sure that she'll come over all the time  (she betta ;)) I met my new roommate, Courtney,  through my small group bible study leader, Emily.  Emily is a great influence and sweet person, so I know that if she recommended Courtney then she would be great!  Sure enough, Courtney is soo sweet!  I know that we're going to get along just great, and I'm looking forward to living with her this upcoming year.  Speaking of the upcoming year... school ends in 6 weeks!  I can't believe it :(

     On the Friday starting spring break, I drove home to Andalusia to see my family and friends.  Saturday I went to Sarah Catherine Short's Wedding and it was wonderful!!  She was beautiful as always and I loved her dress!  I saw alot of familiar faces and got to hang out with Catherine Grace and Hunter :) After that I went out to eat with Callie, Shelby, and Haley just like the good old times.  Then we watched 13 Going on 30.  I miss them already.  On Monday I spent the day with my Grandmother and my cousin Abby dropped off her daughter Kylie so I could get to see her!  She is a mess!  For 30 minutes we looked all around Grandmama's porch trying to find lizards.

On Monday I also went to a bible study called "Sistachicks" at FBC of Andalusia.  Mrs. Stroud taught us how to arrange flowers!  We were definitely learning from the best.

On Tuesday, I went to visit my Meme!  We went out to eat and then from then on out we looked at old pictures :)  I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with her.  Hope you enjoy looking at a blast from the past!

 Mom in about the 3rd Grade

 Mom at about 16

 Mom and I :)

Mom and Dad!  Loving Mom's 'fro

 Andrew and I

          On Tuesday, Haley and I went walking around Open Pond.  I wish we could make that a regular thing!!  Seeing my friends makes me realize how much I've missed them.  Later in the day I went to zumba with my mom and Holly came as well!  Let me tell y'all something- My mom knows how to get down ;)  and so does Holly!  (I like to make sure she stays embarrassed :))

     On Wednesday around noon, I let Roxy outside and started packing up my things so that I could go to the beach with Leigh Ellen.  About 30 minutes later I realized I had forgotten to let Roxy back in, so I shouted for her.  I didn't see her anywhere.  I knew that something wasn't right so I hopped in my car and drove just a little way until I saw Roxy laying in the middle of the gravel road.  I stuck my head out the window and yelled, "Roxy!" but she lifted her head up and just layed there.  This is how I knew that something was wrong.  Roxy never sits still.. she is always hyper and bouncy and never calm.  I went to her and picked her up... she was shaking.  I loaded her into her pet carrier and off to the Vet's office we went.  She couldn't even walk.   The Vet's office couldn't quite tell what had gotten a hold of her.  They think it was a snake.  My parents went and got her that afternoon and brought her back home... whenever I got there her neck was swollen up and she still wouldn't move.  We finally got her to drink and eat by holding water and food in the palm of our hands.  It was hard to watch her like that.  We ended up taking her to the vet's office again... but finally she is getting better.  They had to shave around her neck and it looks like she swallowed a golf ball.  I'm just glad that she's gonna be okay... it will take her a little while to get back to her old self! This is what Roxy normally looks like in case you haven't seen her before!

     Leigh Ellen and I stayed at the beach until yesterday.  It was so much fun!  We stayed with her Meme and Daddy Toby... they're really nice people.  I like the beach and all but I don't think my skin has quite warmed up to the sun yet.  My back hasn't seen the sun light for a while so I think I have a little sun poisoning and it won't stop itching even though I put 50 spf on!!! By the way, I've been creeping on prom pictures and everyone looked great!  I hope y'all had fun :)

Auburn Tradition > Crime

     I write this sitting in my bed after a tiring day.  I tried to wake up a very sleepy roommate by turning the lights on, but I think I made her a little mad at me.  I'll just let her sleep even though she told me to wake her up :/ I've figured out that the best way to wake her up is play "Booty Work" and sing it to her... and eventually she gets up!  It's a pretty good method.

     I guess the excitement started this week on February 29th.  In Camp War Eagle, they tell you about the tradition that if you step on the seal, it's bad luck and that you won't graduate.  Apparently the only way to be able to graduate once you step on the seal is to swim in the President's fountain at midnight on leap year!  Me, Leigh Ellen, and Anthony decided that we wanted to witness the Auburn tradition even though none of us had stepped on the seal.  So at about 11:45, we walked onto the president's lawn expecting to see alot of people, but instead we only saw three guys swimming in the fountain.  So it was a little awkward.  After they left, I decided to jump onto the concrete of the fountain and feel how cold the water was.  It was freezing.  We found a bench to sit on and waited for the next culprits to arrive.  I kept thinking, "I'm sure there are way more people that have stepped on the seal, why aren't they coming?"  After only sitting there for a little while, a police car pulled up beside us and asked us, "Are y'all supposed to be here?" And we told him that we would leave.  We kind of let Anthony do all the talking... sorry Anthony! haha.  He asked him which direction that the swimmers went.  Quickly, the police man drove off and put his police lights on and joined about 2 other police cars.  We got a move on and passed the swimmers that were now surrounded by cops.  Poor guys!  So... If you swim in the President's fountain, prepare to get in trouble with the law!  haha.  I thought it was a tradition?!?

     Yesterday was kind of a bum day.  I found out that I didn't make as well on my biology test as I thought that I did and I didn't get the summer job that I wanted.  Also, mine and Leigh Ellen's beloved fish died.  Freddie was a good fishy, always minded his own business and lived a good life.  We got him in September so he made it a lot longer than we thought he would! ha.  Now I am no longer going to be able to live with the people that I thought that I was going to live with (this happened like 3 days ago), but luckily I think it is going to work out with someone else... but I have learned to never say, "I'm set" because it has proved me that I am wrong.  I have gone through about 10 people I thought I was going to room with.  It's been a wild goose chase!!  Though I did go look at apartments with this girl, and I think that we'll get along really well!  We are going to look at some more apartments on Monday and Tuesday and then maybe we'll make up our mind.  I will give more details on the situation later, that is after the lease is signed and that I'm positive I'll be living there this next year! I am just SO excited to be living in an apartment this next year!  The dorm experience has been nice, but I'm ready for something that has a little more space.  I'm excited to have my own bathroom, maybe have a pet (something small, like a hamster), have flowers, be able to decorate more, and have a kitchen!!!  Okay, the having flowers and a pet thing may not happen with an apartment, but at least it will be a few steps ahead of a dorm.  I've never really had an urge to cook until this year... maybe it's because I'm tired of eating the same things over and over again and most of them are not even close to being slightly healthy.  Every time I bring up the subject of decorating, cooking, or cleaning... mom says, "Devin, you're turning domestic!!!" which makes me laugh.  Maybe I am, maybe I'm not :) I found the cutest wreath on pinterest and I think it'd be perfect to make for my apartment!

     If you would, please pray for me.  Just for some guidance on what career field I'm supposed to be in :)  Also to keep my sanity this next week and to be focused because my Psychology professor thought it would be cool to make us take a quiz, exam, and cumulative midterm all in the same week.

     This morning I ran a 5k with Leigh Ellen, Anthony, and some of his friends... which actually turned into 4 1/2 miles when we took a wrong turn... I've never ran that far in my life.  It took me about 35 minutes, and my goal was to make it to the finish line which I did :D yippee!!!

Here's a good verse that has stuck with me this past week, telling me that I need to trust God with everything.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6